From sat nav to exhaust sounds, we pick the best car-related apps

Top 10 Motoring apps for every driver

From sat nav to exhaust sounds, we pick the best car-related apps

Top 10 Motoring apps for every driver

15 May 2017Alessandra Melville

There is an abundance of apps available to download, ones that are purely for fun and others which are actually quite useful. These next apps have a bit of both, which is exactly what you want from a motoring app. Whether you just want to find the best route or feel like you're driving a Ferrari, the app world has you covered. Most of them have free versions available, so why not download a couple and test them out for yourself.

AutoGuard Dash Cam: If you enjoy watching dash cam videos but aren't quite dedicated enough to spring for one yourself, AutoGuard is the app for you. While the idea of video recording your drive through a device isn't new, this recently released app has all the features you need. It comes with GPS routing and quite kindly lets you upload videos once you're connected to Wi-Fi.

Cost: Free with in app purchases

TomTom GO mobile: Just like the original TomTom, the app is designed to try and get you from point A to point B in the quickest and most convenient way. There is no doubt the TomTom brand is globally recognised and that's potentially why this app has exploded. Some of the features include accurate offline navigation, real time traffic updates and visually you are able to find landmarks so you always know where you are. There is a bit of a catch though; although the app itself is free to download and use, once you've exceeded 75 kilometres a month you will be charged.

Cost: Free with in app purchases

Automatic: Although only available in the United States at the moment, the Automatic app promises to not only save you petrol and tell you what your engine light means but also to make sure you never forget where you parked again. All that from a little app? Well, not quite. Prior to actually being able to use the app you have to purchase one of their adaptors which can apparently tell you everything you've ever wanted to know about your car. While the reviews so far have been mixed, it does sound pretty useful.

Cost: Free with in app purchases

ReadItToMe: The name pretty much says it all. Without having to peer down at your phone to check messages this app will let you know when someone is ringing, read out messages and let you know other important notifications. It isn't exclusively for use while driving, it can pretty much be used whenever you're doing something that requires your 100 per cent attention. ReadItToMe would be great for people who simply can't keep their hands of their phones whilst driving and want a bit of a change from Siri's lovely voice.

Waze: This app definitely has an edge to it. Since it relies heavily on community involvement, it's not really that shocking that its popularity has increased dramatically in recent months. Essentially, the app allows users to route their journey based on tip offs from other drivers. It allows you to let others know when there might be a police car lurking about, an RBT or an accident causing traffic delays. They've even recently added a carpooling system to their app, although that particular feature has only been activated in certain parts of The United States, there are plans to expand.

Cost: Free

Cost: Free with in app purchases

Torque pro: This one is for all the passionate car lovers out there. If you've ever wanted to have an accurate reading of the ins and outs of your car without having to spend an arm and a leg, Torque Pro is what you need to be downloading. The app promises to provide users with accurate speed timings, Co2 emissions and even has a turbo boost feature for vehicles that support MAP and MAF sensors. All that and video recording and GPS as well. You will need an adaptor in order to use the app and it only works on cars from 1996 onwards.

Cost: $4.95

Divvy Parking: If Uber and Airbnb had a baby, Divvy Parking would be their offspring. The Sydney based app connects people who have a parking space with people who need one which basically allows people to rent parking spots for a lot cheaper than if they were to go to a traditional parking station. While it isn't like most parking apps where you are alerted to nearby free spaces, Divvy's users are usually after long term leases. Although reviews have been mixed, since partnering with the NRMA last year the app has gone from strength to strength.

Cost: Free

My Max Speed 2.0: It's every parent's nightmare, the first time their teenager hops in the car by themselves. While you will never be able to be completely fine with the idea of your beloved child zooming the streets, at least if you download My Max Speed you will be able to keep an eye on them. Watch how fast they're going, where they are headed and capture screenshots of their route. Sound slightly intrusive? That's exactly what you want when dealing with teenagers. The app itself has been around for around five years but has consistently released updated versions.

Cost: Free with in app purchases

XLR8: If you need something to brighten up your day a bit, XLR8 can definitely do that for you. The app allows users to turn their Kia into a supercharged muscle car. Well, sort of anyway. XLR8 simulates the engine sound of everything from a Ferrari to a V8 with Hollywood audio recordings so it sounds realistic. The app is a fun way to feel as though you are driving your dream car without having to fork out tonnes of cash.

Cost: $2.99

Ultimate Car Dock: This award winning hands-free app has basically everything you need whilst you're in the car, and it's making driving safer for everyone. Not only does it read out your messages for you, it also allows you to reply back without having to touch a thing. It also has a nifty full screen media player and 30 app shortcuts built in for your convenience. You know the app must be doing something right if the biggest complaint from users is that it's not pretty enough, and they still give it a 5/5.

Cost: $5.99

Drive Comments

tarzant | 16 May 2017 13:04

Yes, because we really need to promote more distractions for drivers. Keep up the good work............

Local Identity | 17 May 2017 02:51

As an Uber driver I use Waze about 40 hours per week. It is worth its weight in gold! The UI is SO much better than Google Maps, will take back streets to save HEAPS of time. Most importantly, it visually (and optionally audibly) warns you of ALL speed/red light revenue machines (ie safety cameras). OMG, that has saved my bacon so many times. Add to that identification of sneaky hidden roadside cameras and Police and you have a tool worth having. Just make sure you have a good hands free cradle to place your phone in a safe and convenient location. Waze is brilliant!

yarpos | 18 May 2017 07:30

Local identity : if you just stopped driving illegally (apparently) , you wouldnt have to spend so much time worrying about revenue machines, sneaky cameras and Police. What a great advert for Uber.

andrewbris | 18 May 2017 09:50

My favourite is the speed app so you can see how accurate your speedo is as all cars don't display the correct speed because of differing tyres/mag wheels.